Inspiring Minds
Interviews and stories of committed people who are inspiring contributors to the energy transition in cities.
To reach the unusual suspects we have to design different ways of participation.
Alba del Campo, advisor to the City of Cadiz
In Cadiz, a new local government was elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019. Since then, the city opened the energy politics to its citizens. This was a first radical step. And there are many more to come. Alba explains why and how they managed to make affordable and sustainable energy such a key topic.
Climate protection begins at (the) home
How physicist Jessica Grove-Smith and the Passive House Institute are reducing carbon emissions one building and one city at a time
“Passive House has been around for more than 25 years and the market is changing. I feel that we are at a turning point where […]
How compatible is the Finnish soul with citizen participation?
Suvi Holm, City of Tampere
In this episode, we speak with Suvi Holm from the Finnish city of Tampere. Suvi is CEO of the non-profit environmental company Ekofellows (Ekokumppanit Oy). Ekofellows is owned by the municipality and advises citizens and companies on energy efficient measures and renewable energy.
“There were evenings when we almost gave up.”
Emmanuel Fontaine, City of Mouscron
Emmanuel Fontaine is both energy adviser at the City of Mouscron and one of the energy cooperative’s trustees. He told us about the long, but enriching process that led to the creation of this unique energy cooperative. According to this cheerful Belgian, with a clear passion for his work, such a project requires perseverance, tenacity and strong motivation.
The magic of trial-and-error to empower citizens
Sofie Verhoeven, City of Ghent
Last December we have met Sofie Verhoeven in her office in the city hall of Ghent. Sofie is in charge of citizen participation in this beautiful and vibrant city in the Flemish part of Belgium. Ghent counts over 500 local initiatives, including one of the most pioneering renewable community neighbourhood.
Leuven Lessons: High hopes, high risk, and a medieval city as a modern construction site.
Michèle Jacobs, Stakeholders relations Leuven 2030
“I do it for my children and I want to be able to look them in the eye and tell them that I tried and that our family tried.” I am about halfway through the interview with Michèle Jacobs when she says this and it leaves me a bit stunned.
“We need some really courageous goal setting. Cooperation helps.”
Julia Girardi-Hoog, City of Vienna Housing Department
Crowned the world’s most liveable city in 2018 it is easy to assume that when it comes to cooperation with other cities, it’s more about what they can learn from the Austrian capital than vice-versa – but that’s not the way Julia Girardi-Hoog describes things.
“The best thing for EU countries to do is to increase the CO2 tax.”
Bo Frank, Lord Mayor of Växjö
His city’s name is unpronounceable, but “Väk-tchö” resonates whenever local fossil-free strategies are being discussed. Bo Frank, its Lord Mayor, is proud of “the world’s greenest city” and explains how their got their and what more still needs to be done.
Unbreakable Delft – How city and region join forces
Stephan Brandligt, Deputy Mayor of Delft
Stephan Brandligt, Deputy Mayor of Delft, explains the Dutch way of city-to-city cooperation and how this will be crucial for the next XXL district heating system.
